"This species inhabits the rice plantations of Carolina and Georgia, where it is protected for its
usefulness in destroying mice. It sits for hours together on the fence beside the stacks of rice,
watching like a cat; and as soon as it perceives a mouse, darts on it like a hawk. It also feeds on
crickets and grasshoppers. Its note in March resembles the clear creaking of a signboard in
windy weather."